The Japan Foundation once again organized the Kanji Cup, an annual national competition focusing on kanji mastery for Shokyuu (beginner) and Chukyuu (intermediate) levels. This year marks the 22nd edition of the event, which took place at Surabaya State University (UNESA) on Saturday, October 4th, 2025.
Participants from various regions across Indonesia joined the competition, including students from Diponegoro University’s Undergraduate Program in Japanese Language and Culture, who proudly represented the department by sending eight delegates to compete in the Shokyuu category.
The eight delegates included Fatih Yasier Aslam (Class of 2023), Fairuz Daffa (Class of 2023), Schivra Atha Faiza Gobel (Class of 2023), Allysha Nayla Fajra (Class of 2023), Annisa Nur Fadhilah (Class of 2024), Hanzel Elisa Octavian (Class of 2024), Muhammad Razan Aqila (Class of 2024), and Rizky Dwijayanto (Class of 2024).
In preparation for the competition, the delegates from Undip participated in the Kanji Cup guidance class organized by Himawari, which served as a foundation for their study and practice. During this period, they learned to recognize different types of Kanji Cup questions, including rarely used kanji, while also receiving weekly guidance from Reny Sensei to sharpen their skills even after the class ended. In addition, each delegate maintained a self-study routine, practicing kanji writing and comprehension daily to stay consistent and focused.
According to Hanzel, one of the delegates, maintaining consistency in studying was the biggest challenge during preparation.
“There was quite a long gap between the time I was selected as a delegate and the competition day—around three to four months. The weekly guidance from our Sensei only started two months before the competition, so sometimes it was difficult to stay consistent with self-study due to other commitments,” Hanzel explained.
Despite these challenges, the atmosphere on the competition day was both exciting and nerve-wracking. Seeing many delegates from various universities across Indonesia was a moment that filled the participants with both awe and determination.
“At first, I felt nervous seeing so many capable participants from different universities,” shared Fairuz. “But I tried to stay calm and reminded myself to just do my best with everything I’ve learned so far.”
Although Diponegoro University’s delegates did not secure a podium finish this year, one of them — Annisa — successfully advanced to the final round, marking a proud achievement for the department. The intense atmosphere of the final round left a deep impression on her.
“Honestly, it was really tense, I was in a cold sweat the whole time,” Annisa recalled with a laugh. “Being the only one representing Undip made me feel a lot of pressure, like I was carrying something heavy on my shoulders. However, I’m proud that I managed to stay until the final round. My knowledge didn’t betray me until the end.”
Even though she fell just short of victory, Annisa expressed her feelings with honesty and gratitude.
“It was really 悔しい (frustrating) not being able to bring home the trophy, it felt so close, yet so far,” she said. “But this experience means a lot to me since it was my very first time joining a Japanese-related competition. For future delegates, I hope they can prepare even better and bring home the trophy next time.”
Through their journey at the 22nd Kanji Cup, Diponegoro University’s delegates have proven that success is not merely defined by trophies, but by the courage to challenge oneself and grow through experience. Their dedication, discipline, and passion for learning truly embody the spirit of Diponegoro University’s Japanese Language and Culture students — resilient, curious, and ever striving to reach new heights. With this unwavering spirit, the department looks forward to even greater achievements in the years to come.